The Ultimates: Super-Human (Classic Review)

Originally released in 2002.

Writer: Mark Millar

Artist: Bryan Hitch

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Collects: The Ultimates #1-6

Ultimate Marvel was based on the simple premise of upgrading classic characters for a modern readership, cut clean from the mire of mainstream continuity. The Ultimates were going to be the frontline team of this new universe -- the all-new Avengers for today's world. Not that, in my opinion, there's anything wrong with the classics, but that's another story.

And just in case you didn't comprehend the ramifications of that concept, the first volume of this series, Super-Human, drives it home with a non-stop "This is a big deal" theme. Straight away, the first issue is almost entirely devoted to introducing the new Captain America with a grizzly war-time sequence that evokes the spirit of the old Kirby/Simon tales, and that praise should not be taken lightly. This hard-punching, wisecracking, yet still heavy-hearted opening sets the tone for the rest of the story.

Bryan Hitch's gently detailed art certainly helps in achieving said tone. There is a realistic weight to everything he draws, and he manages to create this effect without resorting to an overused gritty style. One can almost feel the hard rainfall, hear the creak of leather clothing and smell the smoke in the air after battles. Hitch also knows how to arrange panels for maximum impact, whether they be close-ups for dramatic reveals, or double-page spreads for awe-inspiring visuals, which aids in his creation of atmosphere very elegantly.

But Hitch is not afraid to push the restraints of realism with fantastic sci-fi elements, such as Iron Man's manga-inspired armour or the futuristic SHIELD technology ever-present in the background. And because of the atmosphere he has created, these things just seem all the more real, but no less wondrous.

When it comes to action stories, Mark Millar knows his pacing. He not only ensures that there is very little time between fighting, but how many pages should be allocated to each fight. Although in this first volume, concerned with the formation of the Ultimates, there is not much in the way of actual plot, it is made up for not only in impressive action but also great character work.

It is easy to forget that there is some surprisingly well done human drama in amongst all the explosions and fisticuffs. Captain America coming to terms with his future shock, the Hank and Jan Pym domestic troubles, and Bruce Banner's depressing insecurities grab your attention (and your heart) just as much as any of the awesome fight scenes, if not more so for their "hidden gem" qualities. They may not be as deeply explored as they could be, but that's the trade-off made in any superhero story.

The idea for making the Ultimates part PR stunt is inspired and works disturbingly well in this modern world, along with Millar's other "upgrades" such as a cameo from George W. Bush and the visible influence of multi-media and pop-psychology on the public. But these modernisations are background filler to the up-front, quick-witted dialogue coming out of every character's mouth (even if some of the pop culture references do date the material), the likes of which can only work in the written medium despite several ham-fisted attempts to the contrary.

Because Millar is not known for subtly, I just want to quickly mention the final pages of this volume in which Tony Stark throws a private dinner party for his fellow Ultimates. Banner is undergoing testing and the Pyms are in the middle of some disturbingly casual domestic violence, so that just leaves Stark, Cap and Thor (who is also modernised perfectly). Without making it knuckle-draggingly obvious, Millar has corralled Marvel's "Big Three" together in a way that seems all too natural, like old friends meeting for the first time.

The Ultimates may have hit the ground running, but they still didn't hit their stride until later on the in the series. However, Super-Human is still one hell of a good read for superhero action fans and those looking to get into Marvel through the back door. It also serves as a damn fine example of how A-list team books should be done.

Rating: 4/5